A History of Excellence
Bowdoin College’s women’s hockey program has a rich history of success, dating back to its inception in 1977. In the past 45 years, the team has won eight National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division III National Championships, including six in the past 14 years. The Polar Bears have also captured 17 New England Small College Athletic Conference (NESCAC) Regular Season Championships and 18 NESCAC Tournament Championships.
The program’s success is due in large part to the dedicated coaching staff, led by Jodi Souza, who has been at the helm since 1992. Souza has guided the Polar Bears to seven of their eight national titles and has been named NESCAC Coach of the Year nine times.
A Talented Roster
The 2023-24 Bowdoin women’s hockey team is poised to continue the program’s tradition of excellence. The roster features a mix of experienced veterans and promising newcomers.
Key Players to Watch:
- Hannah Middendorf: The senior forward is the team’s leading scorer and a two-time NESCAC First Team All-Conference selection.
- Abby Wentworth: The junior defenseman is a shutdown defender and a threat on the power play. She was named NESCAC Defensive Player of the Year in 2022-23.
- Emily Lindquist: The sophomore goaltender is a rising star who posted a 1.42 goals-against average and .947 save percentage in her first season as a Polar Bear.
Season Outlook
The Polar Bears are ranked No. 1 in the country in the preseason USCHO.com Division III poll. They will open their season on October 28 against Wesleyan University.
Bowdoin will face a tough schedule this season, but they are confident in their ability to compete for another national championship.
Why Bowdoin Women’s Hockey Matters
Bowdoin women’s hockey is a source of pride for the college and the local community. The team represents the values of hard work, dedication, and excellence.
The Polar Bears’ success has also helped to raise the profile of women’s hockey in the state of Maine and beyond. The team has inspired young girls to pursue their dreams of playing hockey and has shown them that anything is possible.
Benefits of Playing Women’s Hockey
There are many benefits to playing women’s hockey, including:
- Physical fitness: Hockey is a physically demanding sport that requires players to be in top shape.
- Teamwork: Hockey is a team sport that requires players to work together to achieve success.
- Leadership: Hockey players often develop leadership skills that can benefit them in all aspects of their lives.
- Confidence: Hockey can help players build confidence in themselves and their abilities.
How to Get Involved in Bowdoin Women’s Hockey
If you are interested in playing women’s hockey at Bowdoin College, there are a few steps you can take:
- Contact the coaching staff: The coaching staff can provide you with more information about the program and the tryout process.
- Attend a tryout: Tryouts are held in the fall and winter months.
- Prepare for tryouts: Make sure you are in good physical condition and have a strong hockey background.
Effective Strategies for Success
In order to succeed in women’s hockey, it is important to:
- Work hard: Hockey is a demanding sport that requires players to put in the hard work necessary to improve their skills.
- Be coachable: Listen to your coaches and be open to feedback.
- Be a good teammate: Hockey is a team sport and it is important to work together with your teammates to achieve success.
- Set goals: Set realistic goals for yourself and work towards achieving them.
A Step-by-Step Approach to Success
Follow these steps to increase your chances of success in women’s hockey:
- Start playing at a young age: The sooner you start playing, the more time you will have to develop your skills.
- Find a good coach: A good coach can help you improve your skills and provide you with the support you need to succeed.
- Practice regularly: The more you practice, the better you will become.
- Set goals: Set realistic goals for yourself and work towards achieving them.
- Be persistent: Don’t give up on your dreams of playing hockey. With hard work and dedication, anything is possible.
Conclusion
Bowdoin women’s hockey is a force to be reckoned with. The program has a rich history of success and a talented roster that is poised to continue the tradition of excellence. If you are interested in playing women’s hockey at a high level, Bowdoin College is the perfect place for you.
